There are no reinforcements from the medical room but Deon Fourie will continue to help the Stormers move forward the “right way”, says forwards coach Rito Hlungwani.
Hlungwani, in a Stormers conference on Tuesday, said that 38-year-old Fourie is set to miss the remainder of the season after breaking his leg in a Vodacom URC win over Connacht last week.
“Broken tibia… probably the season. Losing a player of Deon’s calibre and experience is a major blow,” said Hlungwani as the Stormers prepare to face Benetton for the first time at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday.
“But Deon was in yesterday and today. He’s one guy that really contributes to the team in totally different ways.”
Fourie, who made his ninth appearance of the season when he came off the bench against Connacht, lasted just minutes before being helped from the field.
Hlungwani emphasised that the veteran World Cup winner will be crucial to the squad, particularly as a mentor to 22-year-old Paul de Villiers, who impressed in his first start last week.
“Not having him on the field is a major blow, but he will still be present. He’s really taken Paul de Villiers under his wing,” Hlungwani said.
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“Deon was in the office today analysing the game with him so we still gain in that regard. It’s just tricky, obviously tough, not having him on the field. We’re moving forward, and he’s helping us move forward in the right way.”
No 8 Evan Roos echoed Hlungwani’s sentiments while expressing excitement about De Villiers’ role in the back row.
“It’s sad to see someone get injured. It doesn’t matter who it is. I really feel for him and I hope everything goes well and smoothly,” said Roos.
“In terms of leadership, I think Brannas is a big voice and a big character in the team. There’s a lot of calmness with all the experience that he has.
“I’m really excited for Paul. He’s a good player, a good man, and I’m happy for him to get an opportunity,” he added. “He works hard, and he’s always keen to learn, which is always good to see when someone just gets into the system.”
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The Stormers will again be without Frans Malherbe this week with Hlungwani unable to confirm a timeline for the Springbok tighthead prop’s return from a back injury.
“He’s definitely not training so he won’t be available for selection this week,” said Hlungwani.
With Neethling Fouche serving a four-week suspension, the absence of Malherbe – who missed the Connacht match and could be sidelined for an extended period – represents a significant challenge for the Stormers scrum.
Roos, meanwhile, affirmed the team’s determination to improve defensively after conceding five tries against Connacht.
“[Our defence] wasn’t good enough, but I wouldn’t say we were lucky to win. I think we did work hard,” he said. “As Rito said, from Monday, we sorted out all the small things and now we have full confidence to go into this next match against Benetton.”
Photo: Cole Cruickshank/Gallo Images
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